Now that you have both Winlink Express and VARA FM soundmodem Installed and working, it's time to use the VARA FM Winlink Session to connect to an existing VARA FM Winlink Gateway on VHF. (145.22 or 144.44) .
Step 1. Run Winlink Express. Step 2. Click on the Drop Down next to the Open Session near the upper right corner and choose VARA FM Winlink. Step 3. Click on Open Session.
Step 4. Click on Settings > Vara TNC Setup .
Step 5. Make sure all the Highlighted parameter settings below is done. Then Click Update.
Step 6. Once you click Update the VARA FM Winlink session will close and Re-start and the VARA FM Soundmodem will also run and open up. You will see all Initialization is Done and Completed. You are now ready to connect to a VARA FM Winlink Gateway. Since you might not know what VARA FM Gateway is available near your location, Box is blank.
Step 7. Click on Channel Selection.
Step 8. Click on Update Table via Internet. Or you can also use Update Table via Radio, as long as you already know at least one Winlink Packet Gateway to connect to. Step 9. Double Click on a station that you want to try to connect to. Make sure you are on the correct frequency .
Step 10. Upon choosing a station to connect to, the VARA Channel Selector window will close and you can now click on Start to connect.
Please be aware that you will need to run a session every time you want to send or receive winlink mails. You may setup the session to connect automatically. Just need to leave the session window open.
Congratulations you now have completed the Setup to run the VARA FM Soundmodem and can now connect to a VARA FM Winlink Gateway using Winlink Express. If in case you need additional information or help, please send me an email (dw1irf@winlinkph.org) or directly send a text via FB Messenger (ensiong gubat) or call at 145.22 Mhz simplex or 448.260 Mhz pl 127.3